Conquering Ban Gioc – The Largest Natural Waterfall in Southeast Asia

Are you aware that one of the biggest on-border natural waterfalls in the World is actually located in Vietnam? Such a magnificent landscape has been ranked as the largest one across Southeast Asia as well. Today, we are about to introduce you such phenomenal Mother Nature’s gift that you can totally find as a part of your North Vietnam tours, Bản Giốc Waterfall.

Bản Giốc Waterfall (Source: Google)

Get to know about the best waterfall in Vietnam

Bản Giốc has been recorded as the fourth largest on-border natural waterfall worldwide ranked after the Iguazu (Brazil – Argentina), the Victoria (Zambia – Zimbabwe), and the Niagara (Canada – America). In Asia, Bản Giốc is the largest in the Southern East.

A sunny day at Bản Giốc (Source: Google)

Bản Giốc sits on the current of Quây Sơn River (歸春河), which takes root in mainland China, flows towards the territory of Vietnam and enter this land in the locality of Pò Peo, Ngọc Khê Commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province. Built in the center of this enormous waterfall is a symbolic Vietnam – China boundary stone which was established back in the year 1999. The stone marked an official division that announced the upper half of the fall belonged to China while the lower reach would be a part of Vietnam.

Why is the rainy season the best time to visit Bản Giốc?

Shared by those local Vietnamese who have been visiting Bản Giốc several times by far, seeing the waterfall during rainy seasons would bring you the most spectacular scenery to witness. During this time, the amount of water released from the upper reaches turns Bản Giốc into a magnificent landscape. Rainfall arrives in Cao Bằng Province in particular and the entire Northern Vietnam in general around June to September.

Rainy season is the best moment (Source: Google)

As a consequence, pack your bag and head to Bản Giốc this time is one of the best things to do in the North during this time. Nevertheless, rainfall usually brings along severe storms throughout the region. Hence, make a smart choice and contact the local tour operators for the best North Vietnam tours. What Top Vietnam Travel advise you to do is to see Bản Giốc at the end of the rainy season each year.

Two ways to arrive in Bản Giốc

Bản Giốc is located nearly 400 kilometers away from Hanoi. A trip to Bản Giốc on a two-wheel vehicle is definitely not a bad idea when you are in a large group of travelers. This way allows you to include Hà Giang or Mẫu Sơn as a part of your trip. If starting from Hanoi, you can get there within two to three days on the weekends. This journey can be done following the route of Hanoi – Bắc Kạn – Cao Bằng – Trùng Khánh – Bản Giốc Waterfall and then Cao Bằng – Thất Khê – Lạng Sơn – Hanoi on your way back.

On a scooter (Source: Google)

If flying on a scooter for a long distance is something you do not dare to try, then feel free to hop on a local sleeping couch from Hanoi to Cao Bằng. From there on, rent a motorbike to Bản Giốc Waterfall and tour around the area.

Where to stay on the campus site of Bản Giốc Waterfall?

For the time being, at the campus of Bản Giốc built a four-star resort Sài Gòn – Bản Giốc run by Saigon Tourist Company. You can choose to make a reservation here for some nights, which only takes you 700 meters of walking to Bản Giốc Waterfall.

On a floating raft (Source: Google)

Otherwise, a homestay is another fine choice you can put into consideration. Homestays are operated by the natives, which deliver really good services of both food and beverages and accommodation. This choice of staying helps you learn more about the authentic and distinctive culture of the local villagers in such a hilly land like Cao Bằng. Another option is to stay the night in Trùng Khánh and start visiting Bản Giốc in the following morning with only 20 kilometers on the road.

Sài Gòn – Bản Giốc Waterfall (Source: Google)

As a locality in Cao Bằng Province, Bản Giốc Waterfall hence offers such exotic food found in the rest of the city that you can enjoy in your journey here. One of the most sought-after delicacies at Bản Giốc is Cá Trầm Hương (a delicacy fish that gives out a smell of “Agarwood”), a species of catfish living under the current of the fall, which is caught and put for sale widely in Trùng Khánh Market. The finest gastronomy method to bring out the best smell of Cá Trầm Hương to grill, which later on gives out a sweet aroma with each fillet is tasty and firm. Do not forget to order a portion of pure fish sauce. This will take your grilled fish cuisine into a whole new level.

Where the Agarwood fish are living (Source: Google)

You can either join some customized North Vietnam tours to Cao Bằng only or get them combined with other famous landmarks throughout Northern Vietnam.